What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brutality
Example
The police officer was accused of brutality for using excessive force during the arrest. [brutality: noun]
Example
The documentary shed light on the brutality of war and its devastating effects on civilians. [brutality: noun]
savagery
Example
The tribe's savagery was evident in their ritualistic practices. [savagery: noun]
Example
The novel depicted the savagery of the characters stranded on the deserted island. [savagery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brutality is more commonly used than savagery in everyday language. Brutality is frequently used in discussions about human rights, law enforcement, or social issues. On the other hand, savagery is less common and is often used in more specific or artistic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brutality and savagery?
Both brutality and savagery have negative connotations and are generally considered formal words. However, brutality is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while savagery is more commonly used in formal or literary settings.